seeing the community

Youth violence is a multifaceted social issue built and sustained by interrelated systems of oppression and disempowerment much larger than the individuals engaging in violent behavior. Risk factors influencing the likelihood of youth violence span family, school, peer, and community contexts. The Struggle of Love Foundation sees and experiences the complexity of this issue first-hand and has adopted a comprehensive Secondary Youth Violence Prevention approach with the understanding that a singular program or strategy working in isolation is unlikely to have a sustained impact on reducing gang activity.

Acknowledging that violent behavior and trauma are cyclical, SOLF’s Secondary Prevention Specialists focus on reducing the probability of youth joining gangs, particularly those who have displayed early signs of problematic behavior or who are exposed to multiple known risk factors for violence.

In 2023, SOLF specialists were embedded in six Denver schools and invited students to participate in programs encompassing organized recreational activities, mental health sessions, roundtable discussions, mentor partnerships, job readiness training, employment opportunities, and various social activities. Gang awareness training was also provided for school personnel, parents, and students.

A specific program through which SOLF can interrupt cycles of violence is the Spreading Our Love Mentor & Leadership Program, designed to embolden and inspire young individuals to develop essential life skills, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of self-efficacy. A key lesson in the program is that violence is a cycle that exists beyond individuals—and it is one that they have the power to break.